Malaysian aerospace company G7 Aerospace and Indonesian aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) are exploring potential strategic cooperation on an avionics upgrade programme for the CN235, opening a possible new avenue for maintenance, modernisation and lifecycle support for the established twin-turboprop platform.
The two companies recently held strategic discussions focused on the potential collaboration, with the proposed programme bringing together PTDI’s expertise in the CN235 platform and G7 Aerospace’s capabilities as a strategic industry partner and force multiplier.
The discussions are centred not only on the technical aspects of upgrading the aircraft’s avionics, but also on how the programme could support local capability development, programme implementation and through-life platform support.
Focus on CN235 modernisation
Military and government organisations across multiple countries have operated the CN235, creating an established global installed base that can generate opportunities for upgrades, maintenance and lifecycle support as operators seek to keep existing fleets operational and technologically relevant.
Against this backdrop, avionics modernisation can form an important part of extending the operational relevance of ageing aircraft. Upgrades can address evolving requirements around navigation, communications, surveillance, mission systems and cockpit technologies, while potentially improving the aircraft’s interoperability and operational effectiveness.
For the proposed cooperation, PTDI would contribute its platform-specific expertise and knowledge of the CN235, while G7 Aerospace would bring capabilities in programme execution, industry partnership and local capability development.
The emphasis on lifecycle support is particularly relevant from an MRO perspective, as an avionics upgrade programme can extend beyond the installation of new equipment to include engineering, integration, maintenance support, training and long-term sustainment.
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NDA to clear path for technical and commercial discussions
The proposed cooperation remains at an exploratory stage, with the two companies agreeing to continue their technical and commercial discussions following the finalisation of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
The NDA is expected to provide the framework for the parties to exchange the technical and commercial information required to assess the potential programme in greater detail.
Further discussions will precede the establishment of a formal cooperation framework or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two companies.
This means that the current engagement should be viewed as an initial step towards assessing the feasibility and scope of a potential CN235 avionics upgrade partnership, rather than as a concluded programme or formal agreement.
Strengthening Malaysia-Indonesia aerospace cooperation
Beyond the CN235 programme itself, the discussions point to the potential for deeper industrial cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia’s aerospace sectors.
A partnership combining an aircraft manufacturer’s platform expertise with an external strategic industry partner could create opportunities for developing local engineering and support capabilities, while also supporting the longer-term sustainment of aircraft already in service.
For operators, such an approach can be significant as fleet sustainment increasingly involves a combination of modernisation, maintenance and capability upgrades, rather than simply replacing older aircraft with new platforms.
The CN235 discussions could therefore provide a starting point for broader cooperation between G7 Aerospace and PTDI, with both companies identifying opportunities that could extend beyond the immediate avionics upgrade programme.
For the regional MRO industry, the development will be worth watching as the two companies move into more detailed technical and commercial discussions and determine the potential scope of cooperation.
